California Employment Lawyer

California Employment Lawyer

California employees enjoy some of the most protective employment laws in the country. In addition to federal discrimination and minimum wage laws, California gives employees additional rights regarding harassment, privacy, and wages.

Nevertheless, it can be complicated to enforce these rights. If you recently experienced a workplace issue that you suspect is unlawful, you should contact an experienced employment lawyer who can help protect your rights and interests.

California Employee Legal Rights

California and federal law provide California-based employees with many protections. The following is a summary of your most important employee rights.

Harassment, Discrimination, and Wrongful Termination

Harassment and discrimination are prohibited in the workplace if they are based on an employee’s perceived or actual:

• Ancestry
• Age
• Color
• Disability
• Gender
• Gender identity/expression
• Marital status
• Medical condition
• Military or veteran status
• National origin
• Race
• Religion
• Sex
• Sexual Orientation

Leave

California employees are entitled to:

• Pregnancy and maternity leave
• Family and medical leave
• Paid sick leave
• Military leave
• Time off to vote

Accommodations for Nursing Mothers

Mothers returning from maternity leave must be provided a private space and time by their employers for lactation.

Overtime Pay and Meal/Rest Breaks

Many employees in California are entitled to:

• Compensation for overtime hours
• Time-and-a-half for hours worked over eight in a day
• Double time for hours worked over 12 in a day
• An unpaid 30-minute meal break for every five hours worked per day
• A paid 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked per day

Pay Equity

Employees are entitled to the same rate of pay as other employees for performing the same work under similar working conditions.

Safe Workplace

An employer is required to provide a safe and healthful workplace for their employees.

Whistleblower Protection

Employers are prohibited from retaliating against an employee for reporting information that they reasonably believe to be a violation of state or federal law.

Workers’ Compensation

If you suffer a work-related injury or illness, you have the right to certain benefits. Some of these benefits include:

• Medical care
• Disability benefits (temporary or permanent)
• Death benefits

Types of Employment Law Cases

Some common types of employment law issues include:

• Employment Discrimination: Employees who are subjected to negative employment actions because of characteristics like race, age, religion, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation.
• Sexual Harassment or Assault: These cases often involve unwanted advances or inappropriate touching by a manager or co-worker. 
• Whistleblower/Retaliation: Employers that discipline, demote, or fire employees for reporting safety issues or unlawful workplace conduct.
• Wrongful Termination: These claims involve an employer firing an employee for an illegal reason.
• Wage and Hour Issues: Employees who are the victims of wage theft, break violations, or are misclassified by their employers as exempt or independent contractors.
• Retirement Benefits/ERISA: These cases usually involve unlawful conduct by employers or investment advisors related to your retirement account.

Speak with an Employment Lawyer in Today

If you would like to discuss your legal matter with an experienced California employment lawyer at Olivier & Schreiber PC, call us today at 415-484-0980 or contact us online.